Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire Top Pickups: Week of April 27th
Here are five players to consider from the waiver wire as April comes to a close.
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Now a month into the season, we aren’t blindly navigating through free agency. There are real trends to be seen with regard to playing time and early results. While it’s important not to jump ship on a player that you invested a lot of draft capital into, it’s also fair to tinker with your roster and let go of later-round picks who are struggling.
If there’s one thing that many fantasy managers are looking for right now, it’s saves. Many top-15 closers are on the injured list or struggling mightily.
In my three redraft leagues, I ended up with at least one of Devin Williams (10.29 ERA), Daniel Palencia (on IL), and Jeff Hoffman (6.94 ERA, lost closer role). So, I’m right there with you all, searching for saves on the scrap heap.
To look for encouraging trends, I’d be looking at bat speed and barrel rate for hitters and K-BB% for starting pitchers. There’s a lot of noise in the statistical realm this time of year, but these metrics are strong predictors of a player’s future performance. –DR
Stats as of April 26th. Ownership percentages via ESPN.
Cam Smith, HOU, OF (23% owned)
2026 Stats: .216/.316/.361, 3 HR, 4 SB, 91 wRC+
I am a big fan of Cam Smith’s. I drafted him in all of my redraft leagues, because the tools are there for him to become a future superstar. Smith’s 77.9-mph average bat speed is among the best in baseball, his 14.7% barrel rate is in the top 13% of all batters, and his 29.5-mph sprint speed is in the top 3% of position players.
Smith is still only 23, and he practically skipped the minor leagues entirely, so it may take him a little more time to hone in on his approach at the highest level. With an everyday role and plus power and speed potential, Smith is likely a productive fantasy bat this season.
Louis Varland, TOR, RP (22% owned)
2026 Stats: 15 IP, 3 SV, 0.60 ERA, 13.8 K/9, 2.4 BB/9
The Blue Jays gave Hoffman a three-year, $33 million deal before the 2025 season, assuming that he would be their shutdown closer. He earned 33 saves last season, but his near-7.00 ERA in 2026 has already caused Toronto to pivot.
The team recently announced that it will approach the ninth inning with a committee, though, so far, Varland has earned every save since Hoffman’s demotion.
Varland is an imposing reliever in his own right, who could run away with Hoffman’s job. He can gas the fastball up into the high-90s and possesses a five-pitch arsenal. Varland struggled as a starter earlier in his career, but by adding some velocity to a starter’s pitch mix, he’s now a dominant bullpen arm. He’s a priority add for saves right now.
Payton Tolle, BOS, SP (19% owned)
2026 Stats (AAA/MLB): 21 IP, 2.57 ERA, 12.9 K/9, 2.1 BB/9
Tolle is one of the top pitching prospects in the game, and he looked the part in his first outing this season. Facing a talented Yankees lineup earlier this week, Tolle threw six innings of one-run ball with 11 punch-outs. He is slated to start this week against another division rival, the Blue Jays, in Toronto.
In that first start, Tolle’s four-seam fastball was clocked at 97 mph, and he used his three fastballs (four-seam, cutter, sinker) 80% of the time. Tolle also has a plus curveball (116 Stuff+) that can keep the opposition guessing.
You would have to feel really comfortable with the arms in your rotation to not pick up Tolle, where available. In my 10-teamer, I just dropped Shane McClanahan for him, for reference.
Ryan Jeffers, MIN, C (15% owned)
2026 Stats: .269/.402/.463, 3 HR, 144 wRC+
Unlike many seasons in fantasy baseball history, catcher is actually a fairly deep position this year. So deep that even if you play in a 10-team, one-catcher league, these gaudy results that Jeffers has posted thus far still may not lead you to drop your current backstop. But he’s worth monitoring in case your current catcher gets injured.
Jeffers is the Twins’ primary catcher, and he’s barreling the ball at an outstanding 16% clip. His 76-mph bat speed is above average, and he’s drawing walks at a 16% clip, another impressive mark. Under the hood, things look really encouraging for Jeffers to have a career year and make an impact as a fantasy catcher.
Bryan Baker, TB, RP (11% owned)
2026 Stats: 10.1 IP, 6 SV, 3.48 ERA, 9.6 K/9, 2.6 BB/9
Baker, like Varland, wasn’t pegged as a front-runner for a closer role in draft season. Many thought that Griffin Jax would assume that role for the Rays, but he gave up four runs in his first four appearances, blowing two saves. Since then, Baker seems to be the clear number one option in Tampa Bay’s bullpen for the ninth inning.
Sitting at around 97 mph with the fastball, Baker has the velocity that teams are looking for from a closer. His problem in years prior was surrendering hard contact, but his barrel rate against has dropped from 12.6% last year to 4% this year. Baker may be frustrating to own at times (how many closers aren’t right now?), but as long as he is his team’s closer, he’s a must-roster player.
Last Week’s Waiver Wire (April 20th)
Jose Fernandez – SS – Arizona Diamondbacks (4.7%)
2026 Stats: .304/.304/.446, 2 HR, 1 SB, 106 wRC+
Fernandez was a bit of a surprise when he was called up earlier this season but has hit the ground running. He comes with some loud tools, enough power to be an option in fantasy, but is a free swinger, which could hurt his OBP. A deep league pickup that should get more and more playing time.
Another reason I like Fernandez is because of the positional flexibility he is about to gain. The D-backs have used him at first eight times, third three times, and short once. If you grab him now, you can have a useful bench piece that can fill in across the diamond.
Luke Raley – OF/1B – Seattle Mariners (12.6%)
2026 Stats: .318/.375/.636, 5 HR, 190 wRC+
Luke Raley has been a righty masher for a number of years. Last season was a down year where he dealt with some injuries that likely took him off some owners’ fantasy radar, but he should be back. I usually do not prefer platoon bats, but if you need some power added to your lineup, Raley is worth it, even if he sits once or twice a week.
Seattle has had a difficult time getting their stars going. If the batting order is adjusted in any way, Raley would only benefit and likely move up, which helps his value. If the stars wake up, it should only help the run production opportunities with him hitting behind them.
Chase Dollander – RP – Colorado Rockies (1.9%)
2026 Stats: 19 IP, 3.32 ERA, 2.86 FIP, 10.89 K/9, 2.84 BB/9
The Rockies are not operating like the same old Rockies we have grown to question in the past. They have adjusted Dollander’s pitch usage and dipped his four-seamer in favor of his sinker, which has helped him with a 55% groundball rate. Plus stuff, getting swing and miss, and driving groundballs is an effective combination, even at Coors Field.
The main reason I like Dollander is because he’s somewhat of a cheat code in leagues with limitations on how many starts you get. He’s not making a start but is coming in after an opener and filling bulk innings. This can give you more innings per week without burning a start.
Robby Snelling – SP – Miami Marlins AAA (1.5%)
2026 AAA Stats: 1.89 ERA, 2.18 FIP, 14.68 K/9, 4.36 BB/9
Okay deep leaguers, here’s a name to add if you are in a league in which you always have to be a step ahead. Snelling is a top prospect in the Marlins organization who comes with strikeout stuff and a plus groundball rate. A super talented lefty that should get an opportunity in Miami very soon, as he simply looks too good for Triple-A.
I’m not sure how soon it will be, but getting Snelling a week or two early might pay off in a big way. The walks are a bit of a red flag, but he has shown much better command in the past to keep me from staying away. Chris Paddock can only hold off a top prospect for so long.
Mickey Moniak – OF – Colorado Rockies (10.4%)
2026 Stats: .260/.296/.620, 5 HR, 1 SB, 132 wRC+
This is not the first time Moniak has popped up as a potential fantasy player, and I’m sure it won’t be the last. He’s shown spurts of solid play in the past but really turned it on once he got to Coors Field, launching 24 home runs last season. A good average with power and a little speed is a solid add, even if the OBP is lower than you would like.
If you are worried about Moniak being replaced as prospects come up, I think you can put that to rest. Jake McCarthy and others are likely to be removed before Moniak makes his playing time trustworthy. He’s also recently moved to the two-hole, which should allow him to earn more at-bats and opportunities to produce.
Waiver Wire Picks From April 13th
Willson Contreras, BOS 1B (22% owned)
2026 Stats: .302/.448/.509, 3 HR, 0 SB, 178 wRC+
ESPN decreased its default roster size from 25 to 19 a few years ago to make the game appeal more to the casual fan. I knew this to be true before putting this piece together, but was still surprised to see Contreras being rostered at such a low rate.
Contreras is an established power hitter who is playing every day in the middle of a Boston Red Sox lineup with talent. He has elite bat speed (75.8 mph) and is contributing capably, despite the team’s early struggles. If your team is in need of help at first base or in the power department, Contreras should be a priority add. I don’t see his ownership rate staying this low for long.
Braxton Ashcraft, PIT SP (22% owned)
2026 Stats: 17 IP, 2.12 ERA, 1.65 FIP, 10.59 K/9, 2.65 BB/9
In his first three outings, Ashcraft has posted an impressive 22.7% K-BB%, demonstrating his ability to command effective stuff. Boasting an enticing five-pitch mix that is led by a 96.5-mph fastball, Ashcraft is able to use his hard fastball to set up his curveball (125 Stuff+) and slider (105 Stuff+), which grade as his two best pitches.
Ashcraft’s next two starts should be pretty manageable – he lines up against the rebuilding Washington Nationals this week, followed by a date with the Texas Rangers in their pitcher-friendly ballpark the following week. He was a buzz-worthy name this draft season and has delivered on the hype, thus far.
Carter Jensen, KC C (19% owned)
2026 Stats: .238/.283/.548, 4 HR, 0 SB, 128 wRC+
The majority of the news surrounding Jensen to begin this season was not related to his play, but rather oversleeping and arriving late to the Kansas City Royals’ home opener. Don’t let this flub dissuade you from rostering Jensen; he has the makings of an impactful fantasy catcher.
The 22-year-old backstop has shown plus bat speed (74.5 mph) and has already popped four home runs in 42 plate appearances. The early 34.8% strikeout rate isn’t pleasant, but he wasn’t pegged as an extreme strikeout guy entering the season.
Joey Cantillo, CLE SP (17% owned)
2026 Stats: 14.2 IP, 2.45 ERA, 1.82 FIP, 12.27 K/9, 4.30 BB/9
Cantillo is an intriguing young arm in the Cleveland Guardians’ new-look starting rotation. He’s shown a strong propensity to pick up strikeouts, punching out 108 batters in 95.1 innings last year and 20 in 14.2 innings this season.
What has held Cantillo back from taking a big leap is that he doesn’t throw hard (91.9 mph fastball) and he’s had command issues (10.5% walk rate in 2025). Cantillo lines up for a two-start week this period, which adds to his intrigue in weekly leagues. He projects to face the Cardinals in St. Louis on Tuesday and the Orioles at home on Sunday.
Noah Schultz, CWS SP (5% owned)
2026 Stats (AAA): 14 IP, 1.29 ERA, 2.04 FIP, 12.29 K/9, 1.29 BB/9
The 26th overall pick in the 2022 MLB Draft, Schultz, is slated to be called up by the Chicago White Sox for his big-league debut on Tuesday. A consensus top 100 prospect (Just Baseball’s #65), Schultz could make an immediate impact and have a long leash to find his way in the rotation of the rebuilding White Sox.
A lefty standing at 6-foot-10, Schultz has a unique build that could initially give the opposition trouble. His fastball has sat in the mid-90s, and he has demonstrated good command throughout his time in the minors. Schultz lines up for a two-start week – he’ll pitch at home against the Tampa Bay Rays on Tuesday and then have a difficult task facing a solid A’s lineup in Sacramento.
Waiver Wire Picks From April 6th
Colt Keith – 2B/3B – Detroit Tigers (10%)
2026 Stats: .417/.462/.583, 0 HR, 0 SB, 201 wRC+
Colt Keith’s improvements from 2024 to 2025 flew a bit under the radar. The power (13 HR in each season) was less than many had hoped for, but we are seeing a better hitter this season. Sure, sitting on zero home runs is a tough sell, but the power will come.
Keith has increased his bat speed by four miles per hour from last season, and his contact metrics have followed suit. Detroit has recently moved him to the leadoff spot, giving him more at-bats and more opportunities. Some positional flexibility helps his value, as well.
Parker Messick – SP – Cleveland Guardians
2026 Stats: 6.0 IP, 0.00 ERA, 1.53 FIP, 7.50 K/9, 0.00 BB/9
Messick caught the eyes of fantasy owners late last season and was a hot name amongst sleeper discussions this winter. His first start this season still featured his ability to avoid hard contact but also came with slightly better stuff than last season.
I like Messick even if his swing and miss stuff isn’t the best on the waiver wire. You are going to get a good amount of ground balls, low walks, and soft contact. That’s a recipe for a useful fantasy arm.
Kyle Harrison – SP Milwaukee Brewers (16%)
2026 Stats: 5.0 IP, 1.80 ERA, 3.19 FIP, 14.40 K/9, 1.80 BB/9
Harrison is now on this third team while still being a relative unknown. We saw the same situation when the Brewers brought in Quinn Priester and look how that turned out. His first outing flashed better movement on his fastball and changeup, which helped him increase his whiff numbers and therefore his value.
Who knows if Harrison will blossom into a middle-of-the-rotation arm or not. But what we do know is that Milwaukee has a way of finding and developing these types of arms. It’s worth rolling the dice and seeing if Harrison is the next one.
Cam Smith – OF – Houston Astros (5%)
2026 Stats: .250/.382/.500, 2 HR, 2 SB, 156 wRC+
Smith’s rookie season had its share of ups and downs. A hot start before cooling down to end the season left many wondering what his fantasy value would be in 2026. So far, so good. Smith’s two home runs are great, but his three stolen bases are at a much greater pace than anyone projected.
I’m willing to bet on the upside and tools with Smith. Elite bat speed and enough physical ability to have a breakout season. I think this is a deeper league pick-up for now, but keep an eye on him in shallower leagues.
Paul Sewald – RP – Arizona Diamondbacks (18%)
2026 Stats: 4 IP, 4.50 ERA, 6.19 FIP, 15.75 K/9, 3 SV
Look, I won’t sit here and try to convince you that Paul Sewald is back to his prime and ready to lead your team to a championship. However, when it comes to finding saves, it can be slim pickings, and Sewald is the obvious closer in Arizona.
Sewald has good enough stuff to give you some strikeout upside while collecting saves along the way. Arizona’s bullpen has been a disaster, and I don’t think his competition is currently on the roster, which should make picking him up a good value.
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